subject: What Is Cataract ? [print this page] Cataract is not a the problem as it once wasCataract is not a the problem as it once was. For most people with poor vision from cataract, the prospects of regaining good vision and resuming normal daily activities are excellent. Our facility is oriented towards providing low-stress patient-friendly care.
The term cataract is used to describe the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The vision dims because the cataract prevents light from passing beyond the lens and focusing on the retina.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CATARACT?
Common symptoms of a cataract:
Painless blurring of vision
Glare or light sensitivity
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Poor night vision
Needing a brighter light to read
Double vision in one eye
Fading colours
Common misconceptions cleared:
Cataract is not a film over the surface of the eye. It is not caused by overusing the eyes. Not infectious [will not spread from one eye to the other, nor a cancer]Not a cause of irreversible blindness
The most common type is related to aging and referred to as a senile cataract.
Other common causes are:
Family history
Medical problems, such as diabetes
Long-term use of medications, such as steroids
Injury to the eye
Congenital
Previous eye surgery
Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight
HOW IS A CATARACT DETECTED?
A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist detects the presence and the extent of a cataract. Other conditions that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected, particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve.
Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop rapidly.
TREATMENT OF A CATARACT?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract. However, if the symptoms of cataract are mild, a change of spectacle prescription is all that is needed.
